Verdicts
After you give evidence in court, you can choose to leave the court, sit in the public gallery to see the remainder of the trial or you can choose to come back to hear the verdict or attend the sentencing hearing.
Once the trial has been concluded, the court will deliver a verdict. The defendant will either be found guilty or not guilty.
If there is a guilty verdict, the court will decide on a sentence. This can happen immediately after the trial or be given on another day.
If you’re a witness for the prosecution:
- The Witness Care Unit (or your dedicated police officer) will let you know the outcome of the trial. If the defendant received a guilty verdict, they will tell you what the sentence was and explain what it means.
If you’re a witness for the defence:
You can contact the court or the defence solicitor or barrister to find out the outcome.
